Best Campgrounds near Paonia, CO

Searching for the best camping near Paonia, CO? Paonia is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Paonia camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Paonia, Colorado (245)

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Recent Reviews near Paonia, CO

1065 Reviews of 245 Paonia Campgrounds



Guide to Paonia

Camping near Paonia, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. For instance, the Chasm Trail at the North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park starts right from the campsite and provides amazing canyon views. One camper noted, "The trail to the rim is right behind the campground. It's a nice and cool spot during a hot summer."
  • Fishing: The Elk Creek Campground is close to great fishing spots in the Gunnison River. A visitor shared, "Fly fishing in the Gunnison as well as great fishing and swimming in Blue Mesa Reservoir is a short walk or drive."
  • Stargazing: Many campgrounds, like the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, are known for their dark skies. One camper mentioned, "This is a dark sky park. Took photos of the stars."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. At the Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms were super clean, showers were awesome."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Black Canyon Dispersed Camping noted, "Camp sites are neatly nestled into the trees to provide a decent level of privacy."
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Lake Irwin Campground provide breathtaking views. A camper remarked, "Beautiful day hiking and swimming."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping, lack basic facilities. A visitor warned, "No bathrooms or amenities."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. At the Elk Creek Campground, one camper shared, "We saw moose in the afternoon into evening."
  • Busy Seasons: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Bogan Flats Campground Grp S mentioned, "This is a very busy campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Shade: Many campgrounds have limited shade. A reviewer at South Rim Campground suggested, "Bring a shade tent or shelter!"
  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby trails and water activities. At Crawford State Park, one family enjoyed, "Great loops for biking with kids."
  • Safety Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife. A camper at Elk Creek Campground advised, "Bear spray may be a good idea."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Redstone White River National Forest noted, "The sites are large and spaced out, which is great."
  • Be Prepared for Wind: Some campgrounds can get windy. A camper at Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "The wind is pretty bad. Seems like it gets windy every day."
  • Watch for Rodents: Be cautious of rodents at certain sites. A visitor at Crawford State Park shared, "The campground has a serious rodent issue."

Camping near Paonia, Colorado, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer!

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